American Family Farmer

12/25/24 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including a focus on the UDSA investing millions of dollars to advance research and extension activities aimed to solves challenges with specialty crop and organic agriculture producers, the latest information regarding the avian flu and it’s latest affects on turkeys and egg producers, and testing requirements for bird flu cases among dairy cows. Then, we’re introduced to Rowan Steele, Headwaters Farm Program Manager with East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District (EMSWCD) in Oregon. Understanding the difficulty for anyone who is not a big land owner, or comes from a family to inherit land, to get into farming and agriculture, EMSWCD aims to help. Headwaters Farm is the site of the District’s exciting Headwaters Incubator Program, which seeks to aid the development of new farm businesses by providing affordable access to land and farm resources. The 60-acre property on the outskirts of Gresham, is owned and managed by EMSWCD. EMSWCD values diversity and equity within their incubator program. They encourage applicants of diverse backgrounds and traditionally underserved communities to apply. Headwaters Farm Incubator Program is designed to assist in the development of new farmers. The program involves leasing out sections of EMSWCD’s Headwaters Farm to motivated, experienced individuals who will use it as a launching pad for their own farming endeavors. Lastly, Doug opines how vital family owned farming operations and the department of agriculture’s lack for assistance, the growing need for farmers to get off-farm jobs to sustain their crops, and the importance local farms play in our health. Webstie: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

12/18/24 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including a focus on urbanization and how it affects farmers, massive job loss in big ag, how processing plants are hurting small farmers because of soil and water run off, and the accuracy of the Farmer’s Almanac predictions. Then, we meet Kurt Emmerich, owner/grower at Emmerich Tree Farm just outside of NYC. Being close to The City, Emmerich Tree Farm experiences different issues than most tree farmers, based on their location. At their Christmas tree farm, they love seeing families come out to enjoy the Real Christmas Tree Experience each winter. With a great view of the Warwick Valley and a charming farm atmosphere, it's the perfect setting for moments shared with family. They’ve been in business for over 15 years, and have over 10,000 trees growing. Emmerich Tree Farm focuses on providing a cut-your-own experience for families and friends near Warwick, NY. A few Christmas Tree cutting reservations are still available for the 2024 season. They are a choose-and-cut Christmas tree farm, offering over 12 varieties of spruce, pine, and fir. In addition to their choose and cut options, they also provide select precut Fraser Fir. They also have a wedding venue amongst the trees that help keep things going with added value year round. Lastly, Doug opines with a more in depth look at The Farmer’s Almanac and the newer pop-phrase, “La Nada,” along with a thought-provoking theory of the jet-stream being turned upside down and how it might affect things moving forward. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

12/11/24 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including: the latest information on the food and farm bill, labor issues and how the farm bill will affect employment, how chemical and weed control is done for treatments on the farm and if technology is helping or if there are still dangers to farm employees and consumers. Plus, electronic fencing for cattle, probiotics for cattle, crop prices may be returning to more “normal” levels. Then, Doug introduces us to Kristy Meyer, Communications Manager with FFA for a conversation on FFA and a recap of the FFA Convention & Expo. FFA is the premier youth organization preparing members for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture. The National FFA Organization formerly known as “Future Farmers of America” – was founded by a group of young farmers in 1928. Their mission was to prepare future generations for the challenges of feeding a growing population. They taught us that agriculture is more than planting and harvesting – it’s a science, it’s a business and it’s an art. Lastly, Doug opines on the season and why it’s important to continue to give thanks and focus on the good we have in our lives. Doug also opines on the high food costs and the remaining fact the farmer only makes 14 cents for every dollar, or even less. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

12/4/24 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including: New York State’s impact on solar taking over farm land, Brooke Rollins named Trump’s Secretary of Agriculture, what farm economists say about the future of land ownership, more and more farmers are forced to get off-farm jobs to sustain their farm, and a focus on raising a family while sustaining a farm. In the spotlight section of this episode, Doug introduces us to Steve Callaham, CEO of the Dundee Citrus Growers Association, in Dundee, Florida. Steve shares the impact of the storms over the recent months, including Hurricane Milton, and how agricultural businesses get through traumatic natural events as such. Why citrus from Florida is set apart from other locations and it’s coming up on the industries busiest season. Farmer Doug, then, opines Trump’s slated deportation efforts and how it may affect farming. He discuses that, too. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

11/27/24 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including: Who will lead Trump’s USDA? The Federal Trade Commission is continuing to probe the right to repair for farmers, farm groups urging the Biden administration to make sure renewable fuel tax credits prioritize American crops, most farmers are relying on off-farm jobs to rely on their primary source of income to keep their farms running, and barriers women face entering farming. Doug discussed that, too. Then, we welcome back Alexis Burnham of Burnham Orchards (BurnhamOrchards.com) to the program. Alexis, a 7th generation family farmer, previously discussed her family’s nearly 211 year old farm, which you can hear HERE. This time, the conversation surrounds female farmers, the opportunities of getting educated in ag, and how family farmers can continue with added benefits throughout the whole year when their primary crop is out of season. Then Farmer Doug opines why people want to become farmers or why multi-generation farmers want to stay on the farm. While it’s difficult to make a living in today’s society, it’s truly a passion and unconditional love for so many. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

11/20/24 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including: the vital role radio plays in the lives of farmers, what less IRA money for next year means for farmers, prospects for Secretary of Agriculture, and how the current agriculture policy is destroying Americans’ health. Then, Doug introduces us to Stephanie Tewes with Tewes Farm, a poultry farm in northern Kentucky (TewesFarm.com). Stephanie grew up a farm kid, with her grandfather starting the farm 80 years ago. Tewes Farm specializes in quality poultry in Northern Kentucky, and they have many customers from around the TriState area. They raise chickens year round for eggs and meat, specialize in dressed turkeys around the holiday season, and believe a better meal begins when you have a fresh turkey or chicken. It is the only Fresh Poultry producer in Northern Kentucky. People come from miles around to pick up a fresh turkey for the holidays. Lastly, Doug opines getting help on the farm, benefits from internships, the continuous overstepping of the government. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

11/13/24 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including: farm insurance and how those affected by the recent hurricanes are receiving assistance, a poultry farmer with 62,000 birds without feed, service members transitioning from military service to civilian life and how farming and ag helps, a grocery store merger, and what the election means for farmers. Then, Doug introduces us to Hannah Wuesthoff (WuesthoffFarm on Instagram)=, a hobby farmer in Middle Tennessee. She and her family started at the beginning of the pandemic with chickens while living in Nashville, and it spiraled from there. She and her husband, Dave, left the city to fulfill her dream of having their own land and being as self-sustainable as possible. She lives on her small farm with her husband and two children. They have laying hens, a pig, goats, and bee hives (which she recently caught 2 swarms). They have raised turkeys and a steer before, and will be onboarding a horse November 26th. They also compost all the manure, use cover crops, and do soil tests so they can make sure they are improving the soil and being environmentally friendly. Lastly, Doug opines the importance of corn crops. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

11/6/24 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including: the debt consolidation tool for farmers and producers, reporting requirements for foreign land-investors, and how the outcome of the election will affect farmers. Then, Doug introduces us to Ward Graham of Brighton Honey (BrightonHoney.com), an apiary in Rochester, NY, producing locally sourced wildflower honey without chemicals, antibiotics, or pesticides, and never heat-treated. Brighton Honey has over 500,000 bees making honey, and they include different types of swarms — a Russian mix, Golden Italians, and Minnesota Hygienic. There are many claims about the holistic benefits of Honey. Honey has been claimed to slow aging, prevent hair loss, improve digestion and reduce hay fever symptoms. Some have these have been scientifically proven. Honey is a natural antibiotic and honey has been used for treating wounds throughout pre-history. Honey in modern medicine has been used to treat wounds. The natural properties of honey help clear infections and reduce inflammation, and may stimulate the re-growth of tissue according to some studies. Lastly, Doug opines the shrinking farm population, the average person taking agriculture and food production for granted, a program for agriculture in the classrooms at the state level in an effort to promote farming and healthy eating. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

10/30/24 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including: the latest news from NASA how an autonomous robot is taking images from around the globe and how it can help farmers, how well politicians are delivering on their promises to small farmers, and the USDA announces initiatives to increase competition and lower food prices. Then, Doug introduces us to Gretel Adams of Sunny Meadows Flower Farm (sunnymeadowsflowerfarm.com), an urban flower farm producing sustainably grown fresh cut flowers out of Columbus, Ohio. They strive for responsible stewardship, with fairly treated employees, supporting a healthy community. Their flowers evoke feelings of nostalgia, creating a botanical journey through seasonality and plant diversity. They hope to cultivate a greater connection to where the flowers come from, historically influenced by small-scale floriculture. Lastly, Doug opines all of the nonsense from politicians who want your vote, a $9 Million initiative from the Ag Department that’s suppose to transform US Ag education, the dangers of mass-production farms and why PETA is right to come for them, and more. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

10/23/24 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including: courses for farmers sponsored by the Cornell Small Farms programs, family farmers affected by the recent hurricanes and how USDA is offering assistance, the continued “right-to-repair” fight, and how this election cycle could lower food prices. Then, Doug introduces us to Sara McGuire of Royal Farms: Farm Market & Winery (royalfarmsinc.com). As young farmers, Sara and her husband experienced crop disasters before shifting their focus to farm marketing, with he added help from Sara’s degree in merchandising. Royal Farms has a bakery, highlighting made-from-scratch pies, a greenhouse, wine and cider tasting, and more. They grow apples, cherries, peaches, pears, and more. Northern Michigan allows for a variety of year-round offerings and pick-you-own experience with something for each season. Then, Doug opines mental health of farmers, off-farm jobs farmers take to keep their operation afloat.

10/16/24 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including: the farm bill and how farmers can get to politicians to urge more assistance and priority-making for American family farmers, a focus on the Dairy expo and how dairy farmers are faring. Then, Doug introduces us to Jazmin Albarran, Executive Director of Seed Your Future (SeedYourFuture.org) — a Washington DC-based nonprofit organization dedicated to encouraging young people to pursue careers in Green Careers, such as horticulture and agriculture. Seed Your Future is the movement to promote horticulture and inspire people to pursue careers working with plants. Horticulture is the art, technology, and science of plants. It is the business of managing and using what we grow while maintaining the health of our soil, air, and water, and the well-being of our children, our communities, and our world. Lastly, Doug opines agricultural exports, and how the upcoming election will affect small farms. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

10/9/24 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including: the bird flu and the USDA’s update of a vaccine for dairy cows. Then, Doug introduces us to Greg Burtt or Burtt’s Apple Orchard (burttsappleorchard.com), for a discussion on the 6-acre family farm. The farm had been a dairy and maple farm for many years, until Greg and his parents felt like trying something different - apples seemed like a good idea. They opened for picking in 2009 with a few acres of young trees and sold all their apples in just two weeks. That meant it was time to plant more. Now, apple picking at their orchard has become a tradition for many families in the area. Plus an acidity vs alkalinity of soil, and Doug opines that the Farm Service Agency is good at helping family-owned farms while most federal agencies don’t seem to care, how dairy cattle are being affected by the bird flu and whether or not it’s transferring into milk. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

10/2/24 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including: the farm bill, overall food security, an AI-created “perfect” farm bill, the deadline to pass a new budget for next year approaches, and the House sweeps aside objections to pass a bill to restrict the purchase of agricultural land by people from certain countries. Then, Doug introduces us to Bill MacCauley of MacCauley Suffolks (maccauleysheep.com), a sheep farm in Atglen, Pennsylvania. Bill is an example of when a hobby farmer takes it further and creates quite the business model. He and his wife, Betsy, never dreamed of maintaining a flock of approximately 325 Suffolk brood ewes and about 100 crossbred ewes when they started out, but here they are — and loving it. Their two sons raise and show sheep, too. Their ewes have been selected based on structural soundness, muscle expression, mothering and milking ability and longevity. All the ewes are kept on pasture alone from April through November – who doesn’t love easy keeping. Plus, Doug opines life on the farm, the business of how products grown/produced on the farm are priced, how they get to market, and how the capitalistic society is affecting small farmers. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

9/25/24 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com introduces us to Bruce Surprenant of Surprenant’s Berry Farm (surprenantsberryfarm.com), specializing in turning his berries into value-added products of jams and jellies. Bruce’s farm makes more than 150 products using his own berries and other products from farms, made in the licensed food processing kitchen in the farmhouse that’s been in his wife’s family since 1904. Bruce started his farming journey in the summer of 1962, but that was also the same time his mom taught him about cooking. Sometimes we believe our path is set, only to find we must pivot and discover something better. Bruce shares the incredible story of his farm. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

9/18/24 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com introduces us to Paul Stecker from Maple Lane Farm (MapleLaneFarmVT.com). As a family-owned farm, they’re dedicated to providing nourishment while cultivating nutritious food and supporting strong food systems by promoting sustainable farming practices. The discussion covers hurdles of selling raw milk (which includes the continuous flow of misinformation), the pride of being a family farm, and the benefit of pure maple syrup. Maple Lane Farm is owned by Kristine and Paul Stecker, located in Cabot, Vermont, and continues a dedication of preserving the land while offering a wide range of farm products. Paul believes that diversity is key to surviving market fluctuations and protecting their land. Maple Lane Farm now proudly showcases British White cattle, raw milk from organic A1A2 Jerseys, pure maple products, and more. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

9/11/24 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com introduces us to Kyle Elliot; Director, Weather Information Center at Millersville University (millersville.edu). With a B.S. in Meteorology from Millersville University and an M.S. in Meteorology from Penn State University, Kyle previously worked at AccuWeathe as an operational forecaster before joining MIllersville Meteorology. His primary focus is on weather analysis, media meteorology and the development of internet-based weather resources. Together, Doug and Kyle discuss what goes into a weather forecast, the tools of a meteorologist, and upcoming weather predictions. It’s a conversation you won’t want to miss. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

9/4/24 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com introduces us to a family farm inspired by a sunset. Ashley and Jesse Fields of Fields Fields Blueberries (fieldsfieldsblueberries.com) are successful second generation family farmers, growing organic wild blueberries, in Maine. They farm while keeping the berries and their surroundings in their most natural state. The farm was started by Eliot Field, a sunset chaser who timed his drive home from work to see the sun setting over Blinn Hill. Eliot decided to see if the landowner was willing to sell the property (she was), which came with the added bonus of a wild blueberry field. Together with Doug, Ashley and Jesse discuss the amazing benefits of blueberries, how Fields Fields Blueberries offers them year round, and why we shouldn’t be sleeping on blueberry leaves either. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

8/28/24 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com introduces us to Rocky Goodnow with Forest Economic Advisors (FEA). As the Vice President of Timber, Rocky leads the development of FEA’s timber econometric models, which are used in the analysis of future demand on wood fiber resources, regional timber supplies and timber values. Headquartered in Littleton, MA (with offices globally), FEA was formed when it was recognized that there was a need in the industry for impartial, exhaustive analysis, accessible data and customized consulting. FEA markets knowledge and data through analytical products that cover the forest product industry. These include Monthly Advisors and newsletters for near-term analysis, the Quarterly Forecasting Service for a longer-term outlook and an extensive historical database, as well as the industry's only comprehensive, up-to-date, mill-level capacity reports, categorized by sector. Anyone with a lot of land could learn from this lucrative business. Learn more on getFEA.com. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmer.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

8/21/24 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com introduces us to Jackson Madnick, inventor and CEO of Pearl’s Premium Ultra Low Maintenance Lawn Seed, a company inspired and named after Jackson’s mom. What sets Pearl’s Premium apart from other lawn seeds is that, rather than mowing on a weekly basis, the grass doesn’t need mowed for 4-6 weeks. Chemical-free and a solution that’s eco-friendly, this is a sustainable, non-GMO option for family farmers, hobby farmers, agrihoods and anyone with a lawn. You can learn more on PearlsPremium.com. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

8/14/24 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com welcomes back Jennifer Fahy, Communications Director with Farm Aid, to discuss the annual event and ongoing efforts to assist family farmers in our beautiful country. Farm Aid was started in 1985 by Willie Nelson, Neil Young and John Mellencamp during the height of the farm crisis in an effort to bring people together and raise awareness for farmers and remind us all we’re not alone in the struggles and why it’s important to continue to be connected with each other. In 2001, Dave Matthews came on board and then, recently, Margo Price joined, too. Since 1985, Farm Aid has answered 1-800-FARM-AID to provide immediate and effective support services to farm families in crisis. Now Farm Aid’s online Farmer Resource Network connects farmers to an extensive network of organizations across the country that help farmers find the resources they need to access new markets, transition to more sustainable and profitable farming practices, and survive natural disasters. Tickets for this year’s Farm Aid, set for September 21 in NY, can be bought at LiveNation.com with prices ranging from $85-$325. Learn more about Farm Aid on FarmAid.org. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks